Moss Stitch Leaf Bandana with Border Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This moss stitch leaf bandana is a sweet, quick little project for the small dog in your life, and it makes a lovely handmade gift for a friend's pup too. The moss stitch (also called linen stitch) gives the grey bulky wool a dense, woven texture that looks far more intricate than it really is, while the dusty rose border and single leaf appliqué add a touch of folk-art charm. It measures about 12 inches across the top and 6 inches deep, so it sits neatly on a small dog's chest without getting in the way. Best of all, it slips right over the collar, so there are no ties to fuss with and nothing to come undone on a walk.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky weight (category 5) wool — approximately 100 yards grey (Color A) and 50 yards dusty rose (Color B).
- Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, and a few stitch markers (optional, for marking the first and last stitch of each row).
- Finished size: 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide across the top edge, 6 inches (15 cm) deep at the center point.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- hdc — half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
- dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- sp — space (usually a chain-1 space).
- st(s) — stitch(es).
- rep — repeat.
Gauge
12 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in moss stitch. To check, crochet a small swatch in the moss stitch pattern and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 12, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your stitches every row. Moss stitch decreases are easy to lose track of, so count the single crochets at the end of each row before turning.
- Keep your chain-1 spaces loose. Slightly relaxed chains make the woven texture pop and keep the fabric from pulling in at the edges.
- Work the decreases at both ends. Skipping the first and last single crochet each row creates the clean, even taper down to the point.
- Don't overstuff the border. Work the single crochet border evenly so the bandana lies flat rather than ruffling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bandana (Color A)
Row 1: Ch 37, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch] across, turn (19 sc, 18 ch-1 sps).
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 1, skip ch-1 sp, sc in next sc] across, turn (19 sc, 18 ch-1 sps).
Rows 3–17: Rep Row 2, but decrease 1 sc at each end of every row by skipping the first sc and the last sc, working until 1 sc remains. Fasten off.
Border (Color B)
Rnd 1: Join B at the top right corner. Work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire edge, working 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off.
Leaf Appliqué (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Assembly and Finishing
Using the long tail and a tapestry needle, sew the leaf appliqué to the center front of the bandana, following the photo as a guide. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side of the work. Block the bandana lightly by misting it with water and pinning it flat to the finished measurements (12 inches wide, 6 inches deep); let it dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Change the colors: Swap the grey for cream and the dusty rose for sage green for a softer, more natural look.
- Add a second leaf: Work two smaller leaves in contrasting shades and sew them side by side for a fuller appliqué.
- Make it reversible: Work the border in Color A instead of B so the bandana can be flipped for a subtler, tone-on-tone finish.
